When you report to Admissions/Registration for your pre-operative appointment, you will be asked to have your palm scanned. Our palm vein identification system adds an extra layer of security upon registration because the vein pattern in your hand is unique and 100 times more accurate than a fingerprint. Palm vein pattern recognition is used by many healthcare facilities across the country for patient identification.
It works by scanning the vein pattern of your palm using near-infrared technology (similar to a TV remote). The device takes a digital image of the vein pattern just below the patient's skin which is then processed to create a protected digital file linked to your medical record. This service provides a higher level of protection than a personal identification number, driver's license, fingerprint, or password.

Additionally, your palm vein pattern can identify you in case you are unconscious or unable to communicate. While TGH recommends palm scanning for your safety, you are not required to have your palm scanned.

After completing paperwork and the palm vein scanning in Admissions/Registration, you will be called to the Pre-Admission Testing Center, where a nurse will review surgery instructions and other information with you. A member of the anesthesia team will examine you and answer any questions you may have about the anesthesia you will receive during your procedure/surgery.
If ordered by your surgeon or anesthesiologist, you may have lab work, an EKG or X-rays performed during this visit. This appointment will take a minimum of two hours so please bring something to occupy your time. The length of your appointment will depend on what tests your physician has ordered and what is required for your procedure/surgery. For your comfort, we recommend bringing a sweater or light jacket, as it is sometimes cool in the Pre-Admission Testing Center.

On the day of your procedure/surgery

Consent Forms

The admitting representative will also ask you to sign a consent form, which is an agreement to allow our team member to treat you. A parent or guardian must sign for a minor. Additional forms may be required for special procedures during your stay. Your physician will discuss these with you.

Privacy Information

Upon admission, you will receive a copy of the hospital’s Notice of Privacy Practice, which identifies your rights to privacy and the ways in which the hospital works to protect your privacy. If you object to having your name in the hospital’s patient directory, or if you would like to limit or restrict communications with persons involved in your care or payment of services, it is your responsibility to inform hospital personnel of that decision. You may make or rescind this decision at any time during your hospital stay.

Read our Joint Notice of Privacy Practices and Notice of Organized Health Care Arrangement about how health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.

Advance Directives

An advance directive is a written or oral statement about how you want your medical decisions made should you not be able to make them yourself. It is the policy of this hospital, in accordance with state and federal law, to recognize your right to make your treatment wishes known in advance. This can be done in two ways:

• A living will

• A Healthcare Surrogate Designation

Download our Advance Directives forms